EU AI Act Deadlines & Timeline
The EU AI Act has been in force since August 2024 – but obligations apply in phases depending on system type. For most high-risk AI systems under Annex III the deadline is 2 August 2026. Certain categories (AI Omnibus) and product-integrated AI under Annex I have extended transition periods until late 2027 or August 2028.
Key deadlines at a glance
Regulation enters into force
The EU AI Act officially entered into force. No immediate obligations for companies yet, but the starting gun for the transition phases.
Bans for unacceptable risk
Title II of the EU AI Act applies: prohibited are AI systems for social scoring, subliminal manipulation, biometric categorisation by sensitive characteristics and real-time remote identification in public.
GPAI models (general-purpose AI)
Obligations for providers of General-Purpose AI (GPAI) models take effect: transparency obligations, technical documentation and – for systemic risk – enhanced risk mitigation measures.
Full application (standard Annex III)
All obligations for most high-risk AI systems under Annex III fully apply: technical documentation, conformity assessment, EU database registration, human oversight and ongoing monitoring. Extended deadlines apply for certain categories (see below).
Extended deadline (AI Omnibus)
Certain high-risk AI categories under Annex III receive an extended transition period under the EU AI Omnibus package. Which categories are affected will be specified through the Commission's delegated acts.
Product-integrated AI (Annex I)
AI systems embedded as safety components in products under Annex I of the EU AI Act (e.g. medical devices, machinery) have until 2 August 2028. This applies to already-marketed products that require a new conformity assessment.
What must companies complete by August 2026?
- Inventory all AI systems and determine risk classes
- Identify high-risk AI systems under Annex III
- Create technical documentation according to Annex IV
- Conduct or commission conformity assessment procedures
- Establish internal governance and human oversight mechanisms
- Register high-risk AI in the EU database
How long does preparation take?
Experience shows: companies with multiple high-risk AI systems typically need 3–6 months for full compliance preparation. Anyone who has not yet started should begin immediately.
Frequently asked questions about EU AI Act deadlines
What happens if my company misses the deadline?
From August 2026, market surveillance authorities can take action. Sanctions range from market withdrawals to fines of up to 3% of global annual turnover (for deployer violations) or €15 million or 3% for more serious violations.
Does the August 2026 deadline apply to all AI systems?
No. The main deadline applies to standard high-risk AI under Annex III. Certain categories receive an extended deadline to late 2027 under the AI Omnibus package. Product-integrated AI under Annex I (e.g. medical devices, machinery) has until August 2028. AI systems with minimal or limited risk have fewer requirements and no hard deadline in this sense.
What about existing AI systems that were in operation before 2024?
For already deployed high-risk AI systems, an extended transition period applies. However, systems that are substantially modified before 2 August 2026 must fully comply with the new requirements.
Do SMEs have to meet the same deadlines?
Essentially yes, but the EU AI Act includes simplified procedures and reduced requirements for SMEs. The same deadlines still apply – just the effort for some obligations is lower.
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